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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Acts 22:1 "Brothers and fathers, listen now to my defense before you."</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/acts/22-1.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/5/44_Act_22_01.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Acts 22:1 - Paul's Defense to the Crowd" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Brothers and fathers, listen now to my defense before you." /><script type="application/javascript" 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align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad1.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/acts/21-40.htm" title="Acts 21:40">◄</a> Acts 22:1 <a href="/acts/22-2.htm" title="Acts 22:2">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Greek </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/acts/22.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/acts/22.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />&#8220Brothers and fathers, listen now to my defense.&#8221<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/acts/22.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />“Brothers and esteemed fathers,” Paul said, “listen to me as I offer my defense.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/acts/22.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />“Brothers and fathers, hear the defense that I now make before you.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/acts/22.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />“Brothers and fathers, listen now to my defense before you.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/acts/22.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />"Men, brothers, and fathers, hear now my defense to you."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/acts/22.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />Men, brethren, and fathers, hear ye my defence <i>which I make</i> now unto you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/acts/22.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />“Brethren and fathers, hear my defense before you now.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/acts/22.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />“Brothers and fathers, hear my defense <i>which I</i> now <i>offer</i> to you.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/acts/22.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />&#8220Brethren and fathers, hear my defense which I now offer to you.&#8221<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/acts/22.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />“Brethren and fathers, hear my defense which I now <i>offer</i> to you.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/acts/22.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />“Men, brothers, and fathers, hear my defense which I now <i>offer</i> to you.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/acts/22.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />“Brethren and fathers (kinsmen), hear my defense which I now offer to you.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/acts/22.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />“Brothers and fathers, listen now to my defense before you.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/acts/22.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Brothers and fathers, listen now to my defense before you.&#8221 <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/acts/22.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />Brethren and fathers, hear ye the defence which I now make unto you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/acts/22.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />"My friends and leaders of our nation, listen as I explain what happened!" <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/acts/22.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />Brethren and fathers, hear ye the defence which I now make unto you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/acts/22.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />"Brothers and fathers, listen as I now present my case to you."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/acts/22.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />"My fellow Jews, listen to me as I make my defense before you!" <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/acts/22.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />"Brothers and fathers, listen to the defense that I am now making before you." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/acts/22.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />?Brothers and fathers, listen now to my defense before you.?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/acts/22.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />"Brothers and fathers, listen to my defense that I now make to you."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/acts/22.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />"Brothers and fathers, listen to the defense which I now make to you."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/acts/22.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Men, brethren, and fathers, hear ye my defense which I make now to you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/acts/22.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />"Brethren and fathers," he said, "listen to my defence which I now make before you."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/acts/22.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />“Brothers and fathers, listen to the defense which I now make to you.” <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/acts/22.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />“Men, brothers, and fathers, hear my defense now to you.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/acts/22.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />"Men, brothers, and fathers, hear now my defense to you."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/acts/22.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> 'Men, brethren, and fathers, hear my defence now unto you;' -- <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/acts/22.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />Men, brethren, and fathers, hear my defence to you.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/acts/22.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />MEN, brethren, and fathers, hear ye the account which I now give unto you. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/acts/22.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />“Noble brothers and fathers, listen to the explanation that I now give to you.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/acts/22.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />“My brothers and fathers, listen to what I am about to say to you in my defense.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/acts/22.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />“Brothers and fathers, listen to the defense that I now make before you.”<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/acts/22.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />BRETHREN and fathers, hear my defense which I now make to you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/aramaic-plain-english/acts/22.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a></span><br />“Brothers and fathers, hear my defense unto you.”<div class="vheading2"><b>NT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/anderson/acts/22.htm">Anderson New Testament</a></span><br />Brethren and fathers, hear my defense, which I now make before you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/godbey/acts/22.htm">Godbey New Testament</a></span><br />Men, brethren, and fathers, hear now my apology unto you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/haweis/acts/22.htm">Haweis New Testament</a></span><br />MEN, brethren, and fathers, hear ye my apology which I now offer unto you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/mace/acts/22.htm">Mace New Testament</a></span><br />My brethren, and fathers, pray hear what I have to say for my self.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/acts/22.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />"Brethren and fathers," he said, "listen to my defence which I now make before you."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worrell/acts/22.htm">Worrell New Testament</a></span><br />"Brethren and fathers, hear my defense which I now <i>make</i> to you."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worsley/acts/22.htm">Worsley New Testament</a></span><br />Brethren, and Fathers, hear now my apology to you,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/acts/22-1.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/in5WTRQ9BSQ?start=7343" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/acts/22.htm">Paul's Defense to the Crowd</a></span><br> <span class="reftext">1</span><span class="highl"><a href="/greek/435.htm" title="435: Andres (N-VMP) -- A male human being; a man, husband. A primary word; a man.">“</a> <a href="/greek/80.htm" title="80: adelphoi (N-VMP) -- A brother, member of the same religious community, especially a fellow-Christian. A brother near or remote.">Brothers</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">and</a> <a href="/greek/3962.htm" title="3962: pateres (N-VMP) -- Father, (Heavenly) Father, ancestor, elder, senior. Apparently a primary word; a father.">fathers,</a> <a href="/greek/191.htm" title="191: akousate (V-AMA-2P) -- To hear, listen, comprehend by hearing; pass: is heard, reported. A primary verb; to hear.">listen</a> <a href="/greek/3570.htm" title="3570: nyni (Adv) -- A prolonged form of nun for emphasis; just now.">now</a> <a href="/greek/1473.htm" title="1473: mou (PPro-G1S) -- I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.">to my</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tēs (Art-GFS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/627.htm" title="627: apologias (N-GFS) -- A verbal defense (particularly in a law court). From the same as apologeomai; a plea.">defense</a> <a href="/greek/4314.htm" title="4314: pros (Prep) -- To, towards, with. A strengthened form of pro; a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e. Toward.">before</a> <a href="/greek/4771.htm" title="4771: hymas (PPro-A2P) -- You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.">you.”</a> </span> <span class="reftext">2</span>When they heard him speak to them in Hebrew, they became even more silent. Then Paul declared,…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/7-2.htm">Acts 7:2</a></span><br />And Stephen declared: “Brothers and fathers, listen to me! The God of glory appeared to our father Abraham while he was still in Mesopotamia, before he lived in Haran,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/21-40.htm">Acts 21:40</a></span><br />Having received permission, Paul stood on the steps and motioned to the crowd. A great hush came over the crowd, and he addressed them in Hebrew:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/26-1.htm">Acts 26:1-2</a></span><br />Agrippa said to Paul, “You have permission to speak for yourself.” Then Paul stretched out his hand and began his defense: / “King Agrippa, I consider myself fortunate to stand before you today to defend myself against all the accusations of the Jews,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/9-29.htm">Acts 9:29</a></span><br />He talked and debated with the Grecian Jews, but they tried to kill him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/13-16.htm">Acts 13:16</a></span><br />Paul stood up, motioned with his hand, and began to speak: “Men of Israel and you Gentiles who fear God, listen to me!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/24-10.htm">Acts 24:10</a></span><br />When the governor motioned for Paul to speak, he began his response: “Knowing that you have been a judge over this nation for many years, I gladly make my defense.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/25-8.htm">Acts 25:8</a></span><br />Then Paul made his defense: “I have committed no offense against the law of the Jews or against the temple or against Caesar.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/26-14.htm">Acts 26:14</a></span><br />We all fell to the ground, and I heard a voice say to me in Hebrew, ‘Saul, Saul, why do you persecute Me? It is hard for you to kick against the goads.’<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/28-17.htm">Acts 28:17</a></span><br />After three days, he called together the leaders of the Jews. When they had gathered, he said to them, “Brothers, although I have done nothing against our people or the customs of our fathers, I was taken prisoner in Jerusalem and handed over to the Romans.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/9-3.htm">Romans 9:3-4</a></span><br />For I could wish that I myself were cursed and cut off from Christ for the sake of my brothers, my own flesh and blood, / the people of Israel. Theirs is the adoption as sons; theirs the divine glory and the covenants; theirs the giving of the law, the temple worship, and the promises.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_corinthians/11-22.htm">2 Corinthians 11:22</a></span><br />Are they Hebrews? So am I. Are they Israelites? So am I. Are they descendants of Abraham? So am I.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/philippians/3-5.htm">Philippians 3:5</a></span><br />circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin; a Hebrew of Hebrews; as to the law, a Pharisee;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/24-11.htm">1 Samuel 24:11</a></span><br />See, my father, look at the corner of your robe in my hand. For I cut it off, but I did not kill you. Know and see that there is no evil or rebellion in my hands. I have not sinned against you, even though you are hunting me down to take my life.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/26-18.htm">1 Samuel 26:18</a></span><br />And he continued, “Why is my lord pursuing his servant? What have I done? What evil is in my hand?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/22-44.htm">2 Samuel 22:44</a></span><br />You have delivered me from the strife of my people; You have preserved me as the head of nations; a people I had not known shall serve me.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Men, brothers, and fathers, hear you my defense which I make now to you.</p><p class="hdg">brethren.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/acts/7-2.htm">Acts 7:2</a></b></br> And he said, Men, brethren, and fathers, hearken; The God of glory appeared unto our father Abraham, when he was in Mesopotamia, before he dwelt in Charran,</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/acts/13-26.htm">Acts 13:26</a></b></br> Men <i>and</i> brethren, children of the stock of Abraham, and whosoever among you feareth God, to you is the word of this salvation sent.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/acts/23-1.htm">Acts 23:1,6</a></b></br> And Paul, earnestly beholding the council, said, Men <i>and</i> brethren, I have lived in all good conscience before God until this day… </p><p class="hdg">my.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/acts/19-33.htm">Acts 19:33</a></b></br> And they drew Alexander out of the multitude, the Jews putting him forward. And Alexander beckoned with the hand, and would have made his defence unto the people.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/acts/24-10.htm">Acts 24:10</a></b></br> Then Paul, after that the governor had beckoned unto him to speak, answered, Forasmuch as I know that thou hast been of many years a judge unto this nation, I do the more cheerfully answer for myself:</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/acts/25-8.htm">Acts 25:8,16</a></b></br> While he answered for himself, Neither against the law of the Jews, neither against the temple, nor yet against Caesar, have I offended any thing at all… </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/acts/19-33.htm">Defence</a> <a href="/acts/19-33.htm">Defense</a> <a href="/acts/15-13.htm">Ear</a> <a href="/acts/15-10.htm">Fathers</a> <a href="/acts/21-22.htm">Hear</a> <a href="/acts/20-24.htm">Life</a> <a href="/acts/18-13.htm">Offer</a> <a href="/acts/20-9.htm">Story</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/acts/24-10.htm">Defence</a> <a href="/acts/24-10.htm">Defense</a> <a href="/acts/22-14.htm">Ear</a> <a href="/acts/22-3.htm">Fathers</a> <a href="/acts/22-9.htm">Hear</a> <a href="/acts/23-1.htm">Life</a> <a href="/acts/24-17.htm">Offer</a> <a href="/acts/25-14.htm">Story</a><div class="vheading2">Acts 22</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/acts/22-1.htm">Paul declares how he was converted to the faith,</a></span><br><span class="reftext">17. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/acts/22-17.htm">and called to his apostleship.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">22. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/acts/22-22.htm">At the very mentioning of the Gentiles the people exclaim on him.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">24. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/acts/22-24.htm">He would have been scourged;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">25. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/acts/22-25.htm">but claiming the privilege of a Roman, he escapes.</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/acts/22.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/acts/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/acts/22.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>Brothers and fathers</b><br>This phrase indicates Paul's respectful address to the Jewish audience, acknowledging their shared heritage and faith. "Brothers" refers to fellow Jews, while "fathers" likely addresses the elders and leaders present. This mirrors Stephen's address in <a href="/acts/7-2.htm">Acts 7:2</a>, showing continuity in the early Christian approach to Jewish audiences. It reflects the cultural norm of showing respect to elders and leaders, a practice deeply rooted in Jewish tradition.<p><b>listen now</b><br>Paul's call for attention underscores the urgency and importance of his message. This plea for attentive listening is a common rhetorical device in ancient speeches, emphasizing the speaker's sincerity and the significance of the forthcoming message. It also reflects the biblical tradition of prophets and leaders calling people to hear God's word, as seen in <a href="/deuteronomy/6-4.htm">Deuteronomy 6:4</a>, "Hear, O Israel."<p><b>to my defense</b><br>Paul is about to present an apologia, a formal defense of his actions and beliefs. This is a legal term, indicating that Paul is aware of the accusations against him and is prepared to respond. The context is Paul's arrest in Jerusalem, where he is accused of defiling the temple (<a href="/acts/21-28.htm">Acts 21:28</a>). His defense is not only personal but also theological, as he seeks to explain his conversion and mission to the Gentiles.<p><b>before you</b><br>Paul is addressing a specific audience, the Jewish crowd in Jerusalem. This setting is significant, as Jerusalem is the center of Jewish religious life and the location of the temple. The historical and cultural context is tense, with Jewish nationalism and Roman occupation creating a volatile environment. Paul's defense is an attempt to bridge the gap between his Jewish heritage and his Christian mission, highlighting the continuity of God's work through Jesus Christ.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/p/paul.htm">Paul (formerly Saul of Tarsus)</a></b><br>The speaker in this passage, Paul is addressing a crowd in Jerusalem. He is a pivotal figure in the early Christian church, known for his missionary journeys and epistles.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/b/brothers_and_fathers.htm">Brothers and Fathers</a></b><br>This phrase refers to the Jewish audience Paul is addressing. "Brothers" indicates fellow Jews, while "fathers" likely refers to the elders or leaders present.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/j/jerusalem.htm">Jerusalem</a></b><br>The city where this event takes place. Jerusalem is a central location in Jewish history and the early Christian church.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/p/paul's_defense.htm">Paul's Defense</a></b><br>This event is part of Paul's defense of his faith and actions, particularly his conversion and mission to the Gentiles.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_crowd.htm">The Crowd</a></b><br>The Jewish audience in Jerusalem, which includes both supporters and opponents of Paul's message.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/r/respectful_address.htm">Respectful Address</a></b><br>Paul begins his defense with respect, addressing the crowd as "Brothers and fathers." This shows the importance of respectful communication, even in disagreement.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/p/preparedness_to_defend_faith.htm">Preparedness to Defend Faith</a></b><br>Like Paul, Christians should be ready to explain and defend their faith when questioned, as encouraged in <a href="/1_peter/3-15.htm">1 Peter 3:15</a>.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/cultural_sensitivity.htm">Cultural Sensitivity</a></b><br>Paul speaks in a way that acknowledges and respects the cultural and religious background of his audience, which is crucial for effective evangelism.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/courage_in_witnessing.htm">Courage in Witnessing</a></b><br>Despite the potential danger, Paul boldly shares his testimony. Christians are called to be courageous in sharing their faith.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/p/personal_testimony.htm">Personal Testimony</a></b><br>Paul uses his personal account as a powerful tool for witnessing. Believers can similarly use their testimonies to share the gospel.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_acts_22.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Acts 22</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_justify_yourself_to_others.htm">Who is the author of 1 Peter?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/does_the_bible_endorse_praying_to_angels.htm">What does the Bible say about praying to angels?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/did_jesus_go_to_hell_post-crucifixion.htm">Did Jesus descend to hell after his crucifixion?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_did_paul_do_between_journeys_3_and_4.htm">What did Paul do between his third and fourth journeys?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/acts/22.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div><span class= "bld">XXII.</span><p>(1) <span class= "bld">Men, brethren, and fathers.</span>--The apparently triple division is really only two-fold--<span class= "ital">Brethren and fathers.</span> (See Note on <a href="/acts/7-2.htm" title="And he said, Men, brothers, and fathers, listen; The God of glory appeared to our father Abraham, when he was in Mesopotamia, before he dwelled in Charran,">Acts 7:2</a>.) It is noticeable that he begins his speech with the self-same formula as Stephen. It was, perhaps, the received formula in addressing an assembly which included the scribes and elders.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/acts/22.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 1.</span> <span class="accented">- Brethren</span> for <span class="accented">men, brethren</span>, A.V. (<a href="/acts/7-2.htm">Acts 7:2</a>, note); the for my, A.V.; <span class="accented">now make</span> for <span class="accented">make now</span>, A.V. <span class="cmt_word">The defense</span>; <span class="greek">ἀπολογία</span> This is the technical word in classical Greek for a defense in answer to an accusation. Thus e.g. the oration of Gorgias entitled, <span class="greek">Υπὲρ Παλαμήδους ἀπολογία,</span> begins, <span class="greek">Ἡ μὲν</span> <span class="greek">κατηγορία καὶ ἡ ἀπολογία κρίσις οὐ περὶ θανάτου</span> <span class="greek">γίγνεται</span>. And Demosthenes opposes <span class="greek">κατηγρσεῖν</span> to accuse, to <span class="greek">ἀπολογεῖσθαι</span>, to make one's defense. And an <span class="greek">ἀπολογία δικαία καὶ ἁπλῆ</span> is to prove that <span class="greek">τὰ κατηγορημένα</span>, "the things of which the person is accused," were never done. But it is probably from St. Paul's use of the word here that it became common to call the defenses of the Christian religion by the term <span class="greek">ἀπολογία</span>. Thus we have the 'Apologies' of Justin Martyr, of Tertullian, of Minutius Felix, among the ancients; me 'Apologia Ecclesiae Anglicanae,' by Bishop Jewel, and many others. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/acts/22-1.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div><span class="word">“Brothers</span><br /><span class="grk">ἀδελφοὶ</span> <span class="translit">(adelphoi)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Vocative Masculine Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_80.htm">Strong's 80: </a> </span><span class="str2">A brother, member of the same religious community, especially a fellow-Christian. A brother near or remote.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and</span><br /><span class="grk">καὶ</span> <span class="translit">(kai)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> </span><span class="str2">And, even, also, namely. </span><br /><br /><span class="word">fathers,</span><br /><span class="grk">πατέρες</span> <span class="translit">(pateres)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Vocative Masculine Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3962.htm">Strong's 3962: </a> </span><span class="str2">Father, (Heavenly) Father, ancestor, elder, senior. Apparently a primary word; a 'father'.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">listen</span><br /><span class="grk">ἀκούσατέ</span> <span class="translit">(akousate)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Aorist Imperative Active - 2nd Person Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_191.htm">Strong's 191: </a> </span><span class="str2">To hear, listen, comprehend by hearing; pass: is heard, reported. A primary verb; to hear.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">now</span><br /><span class="grk">νυνὶ</span> <span class="translit">(nyni)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3570.htm">Strong's 3570: </a> </span><span class="str2">A prolonged form of nun for emphasis; just now.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to my</span><br /><span class="grk">μου</span> <span class="translit">(mou)</span><br /><span class="parse">Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 1st Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1473.htm">Strong's 1473: </a> </span><span class="str2">I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">defense</span><br /><span class="grk">ἀπολογίας</span> <span class="translit">(apologias)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_627.htm">Strong's 627: </a> </span><span class="str2">A verbal defense (particularly in a law court). From the same as apologeomai; a plea.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">before</span><br /><span class="grk">πρὸς</span> <span class="translit">(pros)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_4314.htm">Strong's 4314: </a> </span><span class="str2">To, towards, with. A strengthened form of pro; a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e. Toward.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">you.”</span><br /><span class="grk">ὑμᾶς</span> <span class="translit">(hymas)</span><br /><span class="parse">Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative 2nd Person Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_4771.htm">Strong's 4771: </a> </span><span class="str2">You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/acts/22-1.htm">Acts 22:1 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/acts/22-1.htm">Acts 22:1 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/acts/22-1.htm">Acts 22:1 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/acts/22-1.htm">Acts 22:1 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/acts/22-1.htm">Acts 22:1 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/acts/22-1.htm">Acts 22:1 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/acts/22-1.htm">Acts 22:1 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/acts/22-1.htm">Acts 22:1 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/acts/22-1.htm">Acts 22:1 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/acts/22-1.htm">Acts 22:1 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/acts/22-1.htm">NT Apostles: Acts 22:1 Brothers and fathers listen to the defense (Acts of the Apostles Ac) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/acts/21-40.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Acts 21:40"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Acts 21:40" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/acts/22-2.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Acts 22:2"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Acts 22:2" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>